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GOP congressmen from Ark. vow health care repeal

On June 28, 2012, the Supreme Court decided to back President Obama's signature health care law.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -

Republican members of Arkansas' congressional delegation are vowing to repeal the federal health care law despite the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the overhaul.

Republican Congressmen Rick Crawford, Tim Griffin and Steve Womack said Thursday they plan to continue pushing for a repeal of the law that justices upheld in a 5-4 ruling. Griffin criticized the ruling as a "monumental error."

Republican Sen. John Boozman also called for repeal, saying he was disappointed with the court's ruling.

Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor, however, said the ruling allows lawmakers to work in a bipartisan way to improve the nation's health care system. Democratic Congressman Mike Ross said he still thinks there are good and bad parts of the law, but wants to find a bipartisan way to improve it.

Statement by Rep. Steve Womack:

“I am surprised and disappointed with today’s ruling. With respect for the court's decision, I will continue to advocate for full repeal of this massive expansion of government and do away with an unwanted and restrictive tax on the American people by replacing it with common sense, patient-centered reforms.

“The majority of Third District Arkansans are opposed to this law, and I will continue to fight on their behalf to fully repeal it.

“This is a bad day for America – and a major victory for big government.”

Statement by Sen. Mark Pryor:

"The cost of health care is having a major impact on Arkansas families and it is taking an enormous toll on our nation’s budget and well-being. This reason is why Presidents and lawmakers of both parties have promised to fix this broken system for more than 40 years. It is also the reason I have worked to make health care more affordable, accessible and reliable for Arkansans. The law we passed, while not perfect, is already making health care more affordable, accessible and reliable. It is benefiting children, adults and seniors throughout our state.

"Before health care reform, I heard from an individual in Greenwood who couldn’t afford life-saving medicine for his heart condition. He is now one of the 36,000 Arkansas seniors who are saving a collective $30 million on prescription drugs through Medicare. I received a letter from a mom in Fayetteville who can now insure her 5-year-old with Down Syndrome, and an email from Brian in Rogers who was able to purchase health care coverage despite having multiple sclerosis. In fact, in Arkansas more than 35,000 young adults have gained health insurance, 574 individuals with pre-existing conditions were able to buy coverage after being denied in the past and 819,000 individuals received preventive services with no deductible or co-pay. The protections upheld today by the Supreme Court will continue to benefit these families, and thousands of other Arkansans who have struggled with the cost of health care in our country.

"I am still analyzing today’s ruling. While it provides more certainty, it still allows us to work in a bipartisan way to improve our health care system. "

Statement by U.S. Rep. Mike Ross:

“I am still reviewing the court's decision, but based on initial reports a majority of the Affordable Care Act, including the individual mandate, will stand. My position remains unchanged. I have always said there were good and bad provisions in this legislation, and going forward, I'll work in a bipartisan manner to improve the law to ensure it provides coverage for the uninsured while protecting those who already have coverage.”

Statement by Sen. John Boozman:

“I am disappointed in the outcome but respect the decision reached by the Supreme Court. However, just because the Court found the law to be constitutional, does not mean it is good policy. The President rammed this law through Congress claiming it was not a tax increase but the Court ruled it Constitutional as a tax. This is all the more reason to step up our efforts to repeal the law and its accompanying tax increase, and put in place free market solutions that lower costs and allows a patient centered approach to making health care decisions.”

Statement by Lt. Gov. Mark Darr:

“As a candidate, I promised to join a lawsuit challenging Obamacare. Today I make a new promise that, despite the fact we didn’t get the result we wanted from the Supreme Court, I will continue to stand with 70% of Arkansans and fight this over-reaching act.

"This ruling tells us the Federal government cannot punish states if they choose not to participate in this Medicaid expansion program. This decision underscores the fact that when Arkansas’ political establishment said we had to grow government, they were wrong. What conservative legislators have been saying was right: we unnecessarily wasted millions of dollars starting healthcare exchanges in Arkansas when we didn’t have to.

"Today I call on every elected official who serves in this Capitol to publically take a stand. Will you side with President Obama and continue to burden Arkansans, or will you join me in bringing real healthcare reform to our state. To the people of Arkansas, I say this, I heard your concerns and I stood with you. Today, I continue standing with you. Together, we will win the battle.”

Copyright 2012 by KHBS and The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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